everyone who was part of the project worked to help
the homeowners maximize the conveniences, so they could
enjoy the luxury that was already in place for them.”

Newton-based Audio Video Design was asked to provide the integrated electronics for a family vacation retreat within this luxury oasis.“We had worked in one of their previous homes, so the clientconstruction with custom cabinetry and interiors crafted in theirown millwork shop, according to owner Ted Goodnow.

“We plan every detail to an infinite degree before going outinto the field,” he says. “All the electronics and entertainmenthad high expectations of us when they set out to build a newhouse,” says Brad Smith, president of Audio Video Design.

“I’m pleased to say we didn’t let them down, and we’veabsolutely added to their enjoyment of a property that is alreadyvery special.”According to Smith, comfort and convenience are often themotivating factors when homeowners with a demanding lifestylechoose integrated electronics. Once they have discovered howcustom electronics can make life simpler and more enjoyable,they’re apt to want the same features in a second home.

In this case, existing clients called on Audio Video Design to
furnish a summer home with multi-zone music, a screen with
surround sound, a flat panel over the living room fireplace and
several other plasma screens. Radio frequency remote controls
were used, and ventilation fans were included whenever they
were needed. It was essential that all the electronics be hidden
by the exquisite millwork that was central to the elegant design.

While that can sometimes prove challenging, Smith says it wassimple in this instance.

“We were working with Woodmeister,” he says. “They runan organized work site, and you can count on their projects togo smoothly.”Woodmeister Master Builders, with offices in Boston,New York, Nantucket and Newport, specializes in residentialcomponents are planned before the millworking begins. It’sa very collaborative process, not just between the architect,interior designer and builder, but also with the companies thatdesign the systems.

“Audio Video Design is a high-end partner for us, becausethe quality of their work is on par with ours,” he adds. “Weappreciate the level of detail they bring to their work.”When it comes to electronics, Goodnow says ease of use iscritical. “It is important that everything in this home is carefree,so the family can just enjoy the property when they are there,”he says.

That is particularly true for the electronics, so Audio VideoDesign made sure that all systems are ready whenever theowners want to use them.

Architect John Grosvenor of Newport Collaborative
Architects designed the home with a traditional, Newport
shingle-style exterior, while interior designer Sara Gilbane
worked with an open interior space, inviting for a large family, to
create small areas where people can find privacy.

The integrated electronics design was done over a period ofabout nine months, the rough wiring took about two weeks, andthe project was finished in stages, as the home was completed.

“We were part of a true collaboration here,” Smith says.

“Everyone who was part of the project worked to help the
conveniences, so they could enjoy
the luxury that was already in place
for them.”
Contact:
Audio Video Design